Mateo Joseph stole the show for Leeds United under-21s on Friday night as Michael Skubala’s young side started their Premier League 2 campaign with a 5-2 win over Derby County. Joseph scored a first-half hat-trick for the Whites to put the visitors 3-0 up before the 30 minute mark at Pride Park
Fresh from his switch from West Ham United, Sonny Perkins scored Leeds’ fourth of the night with a poacher’s finish from inside the six-yard box, before Joseph bagged the final goal of the match 20 minutes before full-time. It was a performance that not only built on the goal he scored against Blackpool in the first-team last month, but showcased his talent and potential as he made a clear statement of intent.
Perkins, Archie Gray, Jeremiah Mullen and Darko Gyabi were amongst those to impress against the Rams, while Dan James did enough to catch the eye after stepping down from the senior side while suspended. However, it was Joseph who won the most praise from his head coach Skubala after the match.
